Barcelona star De Jong open to Netherlands captaincy: ‘It would be an honour’

Barcelona star De Jong open to Netherlands captaincy: ‘It would be an honour’ After an injury-laden summer, Frenkie de Jong will once again return to Dutch colours this week as we enter the second international break of the season. The Barcelona midfielder is coming on the back of a stellar cameo against Atletico Madrid, where he was able to calm the game and help his team secure a 2-1 victory. Now back in the Netherlands camp under the new but familiar manager, Xavi Hernandez, Frenkie is tipped to become the team captain in the absence of Virgil van Dijk. Frenkie open to captaincy De Jong addressed the media over the possibility of becoming a captain, confirming that the final decision is up to Xavi. De Jong played a key role in Barcelona’s win over Atletico Madrid. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) But the Barcelona midfielder stated he would be more than happy to become the captain of the national team, in the absence of van Dijk. “It depends on the coach to announce it, but it is certainly possible. I’m not very talkative. Virgil is always heard above others, he is our true leader, also verbally. “When I wear the armband, I can set an example for others with my behaviour and professionalism,” he said (h/t SPORT ). De Jong added that his captaincy style could be a mix of both Lionel Messi and van Dijk, as he is not really a vocal leader on the pitch. “I also experienced having Messi as captain. He never raised his voice and was the undisputed boss. Let’s say that, with the armband, I would be somewhere between Messi and Virgil. It would be a great honour if it happened this week ,” he added. De Jong on Xavi’s methods Frenkie has worked with Xavi in the past. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) De Jong went on to talk about Xavi’s adaptation and tactical setup in the Netherlands team, having previously worked with the Spaniard at Barcelona. “It is very clear in their approach and what they want to see. During the first international break I already observed some patterns in the construction of the game that are characteristic of it. The fact that I was also a midfielder is especially pleasant .” The Barcelona midfielder is also open to the possibility of appearing alongside Borussia Dortmund Joey Veerman. “I agree with the coach in which good footballers can always play together. Joey is tactically solid, technically good and has a great vision of play. There are a lot of midfielders in the national team that I can play with ,” he said. Finally, the Dutchman offered an update on his fitness, having recently returned from a long injury layoff. “I’m fit, happy and very motivated. I don’t think you’ll learn anything from injuries, but you do want to play football again ,” he concluded.